Beginning in October of 1883, the Express d"Orient, as it was originally known, made its first journey from Paris to Istanbul. Throughout the 20th century, the Orient Express gained popularity, upgraded its luxurious carriages, joined forces with a number of sister trains and incorporated additional routes and destinations all throughout Europe.
Today the legacy of the world's most luxurious method of long-distance international travel lives on in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This privately run train is made up of restored vintage cabins from the 1920s and 30s and proves to be one of the world's most elegant and timeless travel experiences, a true vestige of the past.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express traverses Europe's awe-inspiring landscapes and visits some of the continent's most charming cities. The train's classic overnight route offers a brief excursion starting at London's Victoria Station, passing through Gare de l"Est Station in Paris and ending at Santa Lucia Station in Venice. For the more adventurous, the Venice Simplon maintains a six-day/five-night, cross-continent journey, much like the original 1883 trip, from Paris to Istanbul, including overnight stops in Budapest and Bucharest.
In addition to a variety of overnight tour options with destinations like Prague, Berlin, Verona and Vienna, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers shorter day trips between London and Paris. From Victoria Station, enjoy brunch aboard the Belmond British Pullman as you travel to the Kentish Coast and cross the English Channel; from there you'll board the Venice Simplon for a four-course dinner before your evening arrival in Paris.
The 20s and 30s represent the golden age of travel for the original Orient Express, and today's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers passengers the same luxurious experience. From the fresh flowers and Art Nouveau ornamentation of the extravagant lounge cars and the five-star service of the elegant dining cars to the mosaic-tiled lavatories in every passenger carriage, every detail has been painstakingly restored to recreate a truly luxurious experience. There's even a Roaring '20s-style Champagne bar and a resident pianist on board.
Dining on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a unique feast of fresh European cuisine prepared by Chef Christian Bodiguel. Each of the train's three restaurant cars is unique in both food and ambiance, and staggered eating schedules mean you never have to stand in line. Meanwhile each passenger cabin includes plush fabrics and polished woods throughout, a couch that unfolds into upper and lower Pullman-style beds, a cozy sink and vanity area, a sizeable private window that opens to fresh air and a dedicated steward who attends to your every need.
So ditch the hustle and bustle of jet planes and rental cars this year, and see Europe at a gentler pace aboard the train that built its reputation on elegance, luxury and culinary excellence while basking in the romantic style of Europe's finest years.
